The annual Protect The Earth Gathering in on move -- literally.
This year, instead of the usual single weekend of talks on
mining in Wisconsin, Protect The Earth will be a month-long
walk from the Red Cliff Chippewa Reservation on Lake Superior
to the State Capitol in Madison. Called the Protect The Earth
Journey, "it's the walk of a lifetime," say organizers.

The Journey begins on May 29th, the 150th anniversary of
Wisconsin entering the Union. Interestingly, 150 years is also
the equivalent of seven generations, a time frame used by
indigenous peoples for consideration in decision-making.

This underlies one of the Journey's purposes: to garner support
for a constitutional amendment to protect air, water, and other
forms of common property. This Common Property proposal is
also being called the "Seventh Generation Amendment." A special
Sesquicentennial Legislative Session will be requested to
endorse the proposal.

As in the past, the Protect The Earth will focus on the issues of
mining, the scuttling of the state Public Intervenor Office by
Governor Tommy Thompson, his politicizing of the state
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other environmental
issues. While it will celebrate the passage of the Mining
Moratorium Bill, it will also continue to build strategies to rid
Wisconsin of Rio Algom's proposed Crandon mine and other proposed
metallic sulfide mines.

Each night, the Journey will rest in a new village, with a new
campfire and Talking Circles. All will be asked if they feel that the
Wisconsin Constitution and the State Government is doing okay after
150 years. Or, if not, all will be asked what should be done differently.
These messages will be brought to the State Capitol.

As the Journey travels through different areas and districts, it will
give focus to these issues. Weekend mini-rallies will have regional
themes. Residents of each political district will seek out candidates--
to hear from and talk to.

Participants left Red Cliff on Statehood Day, May 29, and will arrive in Madison on Saturday, June 27. There are tentative plans for a 2 pm rally at the State Capitol. The southward route
will be State Highway 13, to State Highways 12 to 78 to 14. For itinerary and updates
during the walk, call WOJB Radio toll-free at 1-800-776-3689. They will have contact numbers, places where walkers are staying, and general arrival and departure times.

The Protect The Earth Journey is a collaboration of many people and
groups. To be a supporter, contact Anishinaabe Niijii at (715) 766-2725.
For volunteer support, contact Frank Koehn in Herbster at (715)
774-3333, or e-mail: fkoehn@win.bright.net. For more information, call Walt Bresette at Red Cliff at (715) 779-5071.

The Seventh Generation Constitutional Amendment:
The right of the people to use and enjoy air, water,
sunlight, and other renewable resources determined
by the legislature to be common property, shall
not be impaired, nor shall such use impair their
availability for future generations.

Tentative Intinerary of Protect The Earth Journey
(where participants will spend the evening and night): The first leg is on Highway 13.